Got to thinking this morning. Mountain survival.

[gunnut1]

I had a VERY interesting day yesterday. My wife and I had gone to Canon City to ride the Royal Gorge Dinner train on Saturday night. GREAT fun and what a beautiful trip! Anyway, coming back home Sunday we decided to take some of the back roads. Boy what a surprise that was. We followed the Platte river for several miles and I really got a kick watching all of the people having fun in the river. The road we were on went from paved to gravel to paved and we came out just north of Conifer. IIRC, we were on 96 road in the valley that the Platte runs through. We had an opportunity to turn east and take a mountain trail for about 17 miles to Sadaila but with 17% grades and no 4 wheel drive, I opted to stay on a "good" road rather than take a chance on getting into trouble on a mountain road.

Anyway, I got to thinking this morning about what COULD have happened had we broke down on the road in the mountains with NO cell phone coverage and no two way radio coverage. And quite frankly, it scared the hell out of me. So, I am thinking about putting together a "survival pack" of sorts. Here is what I had in mind.

A knife, such as a M9 bayonet. Figures, I just sold my Marto Explorer knife.
A first aid kit.
Matches
Space blanket
Water
MREs
Shovel, full size, not an eTool but and an eTool is better than nothing.
Pistol with extra ammo
Compass or GPS. I think that a compass is better because they don't take batteries.
Map of area. IF I know where I am going.
Flashlight
Fishing gear


ALL of this will need to fit in a small back pack.

Did I miss anything and what do you guys carry? AND, am I being paranoid

['TUDE]

Waterproof matches
duct tape
para cord
tarp

Also, if travelling in remote and cold climates, keep a coffee can with candles in your vehicle. If your vehicle becomes disabled, that small amount of heat generated and radiated by the canned candle might prove very helpful.

[mosbysmen]

magnisum fire starter and a small hacksaw blade for cutting filings ,they dull knife blades quick. practice using this now , works soaking wet

2 space blankets per person , small ,cheap and light. you can use it to make a reflector for the fire and use less wood..

[Treborer]

2 pistols, one for the wife too, in the wilds BG will just shoot you before they come close.

She needs to have hers hidden and act scared then SURPRISE!!!

Extra water.

Vaseline.:eek:

[gunnut1]

Originally posted by Treborer
2 pistols, one for the wife too, in the wilds BG will just shoot you before they come close.

She needs to have hers hidden and act scared then SURPRISE!!!

Extra water.

Vaseline.:eek:

Not so much worried about BG as I am BA. Bad Aminals. Hopefully we will NEVER find outselves in this situatuion. I do have some 4wd experiance and I have read alot aobut back country driving but I have never done it. I do know the rules. Common sense is my best guide. That is why I didn't go on the road that had the 15% grades. NO 4wd probably would have spelled trouble.

But 2 pistols is a good idea. The problem is getting her to the range to learn how to shoot the silly thing.

Though of something else to add to the ever growing list. My Springfield M6 Scout.

[jm951]

I keep at least one spare sleeping bag in the trunk when I'm travelling in the winter. Add to that extra food, flashlight, matches, water.

If you're worried about 4 legged critters, the ones to watch for are bears. Most of the others will leave you well enough alone.

[instr8]

From the looks of it you better sell the car and buy a freightliner, but man! You will be ready for anything.

[gunnut1]

I remember the Boy Scout Motto. "Be Prepared"!

Yea, that is a lot of gear, but can you have too much survuval gear if you get stuck in the mountains? I am in a new world up here in Colorado.
Things are WAY different than in Texas. Snow, mountain passes, road in valleys, no cell phone coverage, no way a two way radio can get out of a mountain valley with 300 and 400 foot cliffs on either side. Kind of scary for us flatlanders. I love the mountains but they can be very dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. Common sense is the rule. If you think you can't make it, don't go. What happens if your ride breaks down? Can you walk 20 miles or more?
Yep, new things to consider. How long will you be stranded? Hours or days? What do you do if you get hurt? DO you have the proper meds? Enough food and water. Water being the MOST important one?

Survival in NOT to be taken lightly!

[Deltaten]

I think ya have everything on my list. May wanna consider adding one of those cheap EG 26.5mm flare guns n'an assortment of flares. COuld even resort to 86ing the magnesium flares in trade. I *knoW* the 26.5's wil start fires! :biggrin:

That reminds me...I gotta replace my road flares in the truck!

Most all ya wanna carry will fit in a med ruck or one of those RubberMAid tubs. Not much space or weight cap lost for THAT much security blanket

Best,
Paul

[gunnut1]

Avctually, I had a brain storm last night, (or was that a brain fart?)! I have a Swiss Alpine pack. Ya know the one that you can carry your K31 and Icepickle in? THAT would be great for what I am thinking about!

[Plain George]

a very efficient survival pack for what you are needing can be kept in a reasonable size butt pack. Remember you are only thinking of survivng for a couple days at most. Choose your items carefully and keep them in the size for what you need. Alot of things can be bought in 'travel size'.
It ALWAYS get cold in the mountains at night..sweaters or heavy blankets are welcomed.
Plan & Prepare.

[shunkanumpa]

Originally posted by gunnut1
I had a VERY interesting day yesterday. My wife and I had gone to Canon City to ride the Royal Gorge Dinner train on Saturday night. GREAT fun and what a beautiful trip! Anyway, coming back home Sunday we decided to take some of the back roads. Boy what a surprise that was. We followed the Platte river for several miles and I really got a kick watching all of the people having fun in the river. The road we were on went from paved to gravel to paved and we came out just north of Conifer. IIRC, we were on 96 road in the valley that the Platte runs through. We had an opportunity to turn east and take a mountain trail for about 17 miles to Sadaila but with 17% grades and no 4 wheel drive, I opted to stay on a "good" road rather than take a chance on getting into trouble on a mountain road.



Anyway, I got to thinking this morning about what COULD have happened had we broke down on the road in the mountains with NO cell phone coverage and no two way radio coverage. And quite frankly, it scared the hell out of me. So, I am thinking about putting together a "survival pack" of sorts. Here is what I had in mind.

A knife, such as a M9 bayonet. Figures, I just sold my Marto Explorer knife.
A first aid kit.
Matches
Space blanket
Water
MREs
Shovel, full size, not an eTool but and an eTool is better than nothing.
Pistol with extra ammo
Compass or GPS. I think that a compass is better because they don't take batteries.
Map of area. IF I know where I am going.
Flashlight
Fishing gear


ALL of this will need to fit in a small back pack.

Did I miss anything and what do you guys carry? AND, am I being paranoid



If your want a fairly complete discussion of this there are some excellent resources a few clicks away: www.survival.com is the home for HoodsWoods and I suggest in particular the DVD on Survival kits. If the thirty bucks is too much out of your Fn budget, get the best twelve dollar book you will ever see "Six Ways in and Twelve Ways Out" from www.buckshotscamp.com

Both of the folks are the real deal....not just armchair Rambos It is especially helpful to consider that you can have several LEVELS of kits that all coordinate with each other based on what you can carry, where you are going, without a lot of duplication...

[gunnut1]

Thanks for the heads up. I have ordered the DVD and the book and some magnesiem fire starters.

It begins!

[owlcreekok]

Not on the topic of survival in the high country, but I learned quick, while living there in the Denver area, to always keep a coat and a blanket in the vehicle. Water, and a GOOD flashlight. Flares are a good idea too. I was commuting from Denver to Wiggins & back for a while. One night, just NE of where I got on I 76, the wind started blowing the day's snowfall. By the time I got past Keenesburg, I had to stop more than drive. I was not particularly afraid, as I had enough stuff to keep me okay till daybreak. I WAS concerned that some idiot would plow into me. I had no clue where the road started, stopped, shoulder NUTHIN. Along came a CDOT snowplow dumptruck, and led me all the way to Wiggins.

I have seen the Valley Hiway (I25) locked down for four hours due to sudden cloudbursts and hydrophobic yuppies. :rolleyes:

Sedalia had some good folks around back then. Kinda clannish, but once ya get to know them, they are a great resource for learning backcountry jeep trails.

Can't remember the pair, but there's a repeater up around Winter Park that does a heck of a job covering that area of woods. I hunted Elk in that area. I could usually hear or hit the machine from most ridges. I want to say it is ???.310 mhz output.

[gunnut1]

I got a littel taste of the snow in March. I was up here for the Blizard that hit right at the end of March.

When I was driving up to offically move here, I left Fort Wrth and the weather was really nice. I got to Dumas for my overnight lay over and woke up the next morning. It was raining and cold. I struck out for Denver and the closer I got the worse it sounded. I was listen to the the truckers on my CB (don't tell anybody) and the ones that had come out of Denver said that I70 and I25 were closed. Great!:uhoh: I was lucky because by the time I got here, about 1400, they had the freeways cleared.

Good advise. I had considered keeping a coat in the car and truck but I didn't think about water. I have received a suggestion for a candle and coffee can in the car also. Put the candle in the coffee can and light it. Kind of makes a mini heater.

[Treborer]

Originally posted by gunnut1


Not so much worried about BG as I am BA. Bad Aminals. Hopefully we will NEVER find outselves in this situatuion. I do have some 4wd experiance and I have read alot aobut back country driving but I have never done it. I do know the rules. Common sense is my best guide. That is why I didn't go on the road that had the 15% grades. NO 4wd probably would have spelled trouble.

But 2 pistols is a good idea. The problem is getting her to the range to learn how to shoot the silly thing.

Though of something else to add to the ever growing list. My Springfield M6 Scout.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most animals will leave you be.

Mother Nature and Humans are the killers, you are unprepared for.

The animals occupy your same space, some good instincts but ignorant.

Nice post.
:|

[idsubgun]

Mountain survival?

We just look for all the flatlanders that have moved here and take their stuff. :tongue:

Just kidding........

[owlcreekok]

We just look for all the flatlanders that have moved here and take their stuff.

Worked for the Blackfoot, for a while. :]

[idsubgun]

I'd forgo the M9 as the only knife. Maybe have one if you feel the need, but there are far better choices.
I carry four blades on me at all times, but when I'm in the mountains, I add two or three more in my packs. A good sharp, hunting knife would be more effective. If you are out in the elements, a small hatchet would serve you better then a M9 bayo and take up about the same amount of space.

[idsubgun]

Originally posted by owlcreekok


Worked for the Blackfoot, for a while. :]

They grew complacent, not knowing the true size of their "enemies". Hard to count the number of white men back east when sitting in the wilds of Idaho. Lack of good intel got them. Won't happen again, we've got better intel now.;)

[gunnut1]

Originally posted by idsubgun
I'd forgo the M9 as the only knife. Maybe have one if you feel the need, but there are far better choices.
I carry four blades on me at all times, but when I'm in the mountains, I add two or three more in my packs. A good sharp, hunting knife would be more effective. If you are out in the elements, a small hatchet would serve you better then a M9 bayo and take up about the same amount of space.

Point well taken. But isn't the M9 basically a hunting knife with a bayonet ring on it?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/kd5day/buck188.jpg


I wonder how one of the Spetsnaz tools world do?

[Stranger]

Originally posted by Faltitude

Also, if travelling in remote and cold climates, keep a coffee can with candles in your vehicle. If your vehicle becomes disabled, that small amount of heat generated and radiated by the canned candle might prove very helpful.

You can also do it with said coffee can, a bottle of isopropanol, and a roll of toilet paper.

Remove cardboard from TP crunch into bottom of can, pour enough of the alcohol to soak the TP and light. It will keep going for several hours before you have to add more. Make sure you crack a window with either method.

[idsubgun]

Originally posted by gunnut1
Point well taken. But isn't the M9 basically a hunting knife with a bayonet ring on it?

If you sharpen it like a hunting knife, yes, but most people don't sharpen their bayonets.

[gunnut1]

Don't have a problem sharpening this one!
I am just trying to use the things I have here at the house.

[BlackCat]

Gunnut1, the Spetznaz shovels made by Cold Steel are EXCELLENT little tools.
I bought one for the truck- and one of their "rifleman" hawks (with the hammer poll) for the truck. Both for about $20 a piece or so.
I don't have high expectations for the hawk, as I've seen bites broken out of CS hawk cutting edges by chopping pecan branches for kindling, but it beats the heck out of nothing.

[Big Dog]

GN, Unlike Texas you have to be prepared for the Snow and Cold.

You need:
Extra hats and gloves - old boots cant hurt either or atleast wool socks
a GOOD shovel like a Stainless grain shovel
2 bags of sharp gravel - to get you UNSTUCK
several cheap orange ponchos (warmth, and visability)
Firestarter (can of sterno works great!)
whistle for signaling
tow strap and jumper cables of course....
a couple of 2x4s about 4 feet long (unditching and fuel)
Multi tool
a big paper back book (fuel, TP, amusement)
bic lighter

Keep warm!

Big Dog (in TEXAS!)

[ronnieb]

Me and the new bride were out in Colorado in January on our honeymoon. We picked a snowmobile outfit out of the vacation guide and didn't realize that they were way out north of copper mountian (we were staying in Denver). As I was driving the ice covered roads looking for the place, I started to notice that the structures were getting very far apart and of course there was no cell towers out there. I couldn't help but think that if we went over the side of the road, they wouldn't find us till spring thaw.
I vowed that if I knew I was going into that situation again I would be spending a little money at wally world the day before to make sure we at least would make it through an evening, if not a couple of days. We were both layered four times deep in clothes but had only the bottles of water and bag of chips we bought at the gas station. That and my little Kershaw folder and that was it.

BTW If I ever get the chance to move out to Colorado I think i'm going to. I've been out there three time since January and just can't get the place out of my mind. Gods country to be sure!

[gunnut1]

I started to notice that the structures were getting very far apart and of course there was no cell towers out there. I couldn't help but think that if we went over the side of the road, they wouldn't find us till spring thaw.

My thought almost exactly. As we were driving in the valley that the Platte River runs through, I looked a the signal strength meter on my cell phone. So much for Cingular "raising the bar". NO coverage, too deep in the valley. We were going from paved road to dirt roads to paved roads. Fortunaly, there were quite a few people. So in this case, I feel that had we broke down, someone would have help us out. BUT, I did have a couple of chances to "take a shortcut". As we drove by these shortcuts all I could see were dirt roads. One of the had a warning that told us there there were 17% grades. Remember CW McCall and his mountain songs. Remeber Blackbear Road?

Black Bear Road

By Bill Fries & Chip Davis

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Me an' R.J. an' the kids was on a camp out in the mountains, an' we had us one a' them U-Drive-'Em Army Jeep cars which we had rented from a fella by the name a' Kuboske for thirty bucks a day, buy yer gas along the way, take a rabbit's foot, an' leave a pint a' blood for a deeposit

An' he'd 'splained it all to us how we's 'sposed to git to Telluride, which was fifty miles away by way of the regular highway, however there was a short-cut, BUT, unless we had drove the Black Bear Road before, we'd be, well, we'd be better off to stay in bed an' sleep late (now pay no 'ttention to the guitar there)

Well we took up off'n th' highway, an we come upon a sign sez "Black Bear Road - You Don't Have To Be Crazy To Drive This Road, But It Helps", I sez to, R.J. this must be the short cut road Kuboske's a talkin' about. She didn't pay no mind 'cause she's busy makin peanut butter sanwiches for the kids in the back seat, throwin' rocks, an' drinkin' KoolAid, an' playing "Count The License Plates On Cars", but they wasn't a havin' too much fun playin' Count The License Plates On Cars, well 'cause there wern't no other cars

Went about a mile an' a half, in about four hours, busted off the right front fender, an' tore a hole in the oil pan on a rock as big as a hall closet, went over a bump an' spilt the Kool-Aid, an' Roy Gene stuck his bolo knife right through the convertible top, an' the dog threw up all over the back seat (peanut butter don't agree with him see)

So we had to stop, an' take off the top, an' air everything out, an' clean it up. The dog run off, an' R.J. sez she felt her asthma comin' on. I's settin' there wonderin' what to do, when the en-tire scenic San-Gee-Juan U-Drive-'Em Army Jeep Car sank in the mud (at thirteen thousand feet above sea level!)

Well we shoveled it out, an' ate our lunch, the dog made a yellow hole in the snow, an' Roy Gene got out his Instamatic an' took a snapshot of it. Mary Elizabeth drawed a picture of the road. It looked like a whole bunch of Zs an' Ws all strung together, an' R.J. took one look at that picture, and said the only way she's goin' down that Jeep car road 'as over her dead body, an' then a rock slipped out from under the wheel, and the U-Drive-'Em Army Jeep Car, well it went right over, right over the edge of a cliff (Whah-Haa-Haa-Haa-Hoo-Hoo-Hoo)

Doggonit Roy Gene, when I tell ya to put a rock under the wheel, I mean ROCK, now look at that what you had there ain't no bigger then a grapefruit !

And as side note, I had a buddy in Texas that had actually seen the sign CW McCalll talks about at the beginning of this song!

Thanks, I'll pass. This is what got me to thinking about survival in the mountains. 17% grades are not to be sneezed at. And never having been down the road before in my life and with no 4 wheel drive, or survival gear, common sense took over and we stayed on the "main" road.

Winter is coming on up here and I am looking forward to it. I even talked to the XYL the other day and she agreed that we need to lay in supplies. I almost fell out of my chair! Maybe the little "river road" trip got her to thinking also!

[olsarg]

for knives forget the
bayonets and close combat knives. Take buther , boning or couple of good steak knves. old folding shvel army issue with edge sharpened. Go to good will or sally anne or a used clothes store get big size coats or parkas cheap. Put one for each member of the family in each vehicle. long coats make good blankets.We keep coats in our vehicles year round. 37 in bismark last night . If you stay near the vehicle you have a better chance of being rescued. don't worry about wild animals lock the doors unless you aredriving a rag top. Get your wife a firearm she will like. a fal 45 is nice. break it down and it fits under the seat. Be pleasentlly surprised how small a package it makes and you can put a few loaded mags with it. hers is 25 1/8 long(broke down). Rhineland built. Fishing set will fit in a snuff box.line hooks and lures. Get sabatt candles from a jewish shop that or tea candles. We have candle lanterns. cheap heat and light. Always let some one know where you'll be gone. and have some one expecting you back.

[Falfegnügen]

Sounds like things are pretty well covered for the most part, so I'll through in my techno-geek thoughts here. I now this will be off the top for most, but heck, I really do carry this with me in my car pack no matter where I go now. I take it on the plane when I travel. It just goes with me everywhere now:

- Multi-band hand-held HAM radio
- Hand-held GPS
- Dual-mode Cellular/Satphone (globalstar)
- 12v power cables for them all
- A HIGH quality lensatic compass. (I like the Brunton pocket transit for the car. )
- A pair of good compact binoculars

-And as always, LOTS of duct tape. In fact, I'd ditch the first-aid kit and replace it with more duct-tape, a roll of TP, and a bottle of alcohol.

You can do anything with duct-tape. As far as I'm concerend, it's a "first-aid kit on a roll". I mean...you can make tough waterproof bandages - any size, you can seal up most any wounds like magic - without stitches. Construct arm slings, head bands, turniquites, splints, make finger-gloves, just all sorts of emergency stuff.

So let me tell you my Colorado story. Two weeks ago I'm in Denver for the APCO conference (Public-Safety radio communications). I have a few extra days so I rent a 4x4 and head to the mountians. I ride up to those lakes above Idaho Springs on some semi-rough trails. Then the truck breaks, after I'm above the tree line. So there I sit, in T-shirt and shorts, watching the late evening snow flurries in August. No problem - I get on the Satphone, call the Hertz help line, and the lady asks "Are you in a safe place"......

Sooooo....I slowly answer....well Ma'am, I'm at 12,000 ft in the Rockies, up a 20-mile long jeep trail.. Your $110 a day rental-truck just broke down, there's bear here... huge drop-offs...abondoned mine-shafts everywhere, it's getting dark, it's snowing, and I think I hear banjo music.....WHAT DO YOU THINK???

Well, they could do nothing for me, so I limped it back. What a ride. Let me tell you, that Land-Rover LR3 was the best truck, and the worst truck, that I've ever driven in my life.

[Falfegnügen]

Oh, and a LEATHERMAN!!!!!

Get a good one. Keep it on your belt at all times (except at the airport. :eek: ).

[PARA FN FAL]

I prefer a swiss army knife and maybe a small shovel with a sharp edge on one side for slashing when not digging. And finally a few large garbage bags and duct tape. Everything else should be basic stuff.

[Plain George]

One of the most usefull items to have on a 'trail ride' is a "HANDYMAN JACK"
and a long length of very strong rope. It will jack you out of holes., get you off rocks, and best of all it can be used as a winch for short distances.
$50.00 worth of protection.
And always remember,, a 4x4 just gets you stuck farther away from home.

[gunnut1]

NOw this thread is getting veryinteresting. Looks likes we have all of thebases covered. BUT, I will need a trailor to carry all of this stuff in!

Or maybe we aill look like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v103/kd5day/olliehoopnoddle.jpg

Thanks guys. You have need a big help!

[olsarg]

DON'T buy Leatherman he is anti gun. Army issues Gerber lots of good knifes out there don't need his. Some of the new sissy SUVs can't use high lift jacks need lifting points. Make sure you spare isn't under the truck or some place like it.

[idsubgun]

Originally posted by olsarg
DON'T buy Leatherman he is anti gun. Army issues Gerber lots of good knifes out there don't need his.

Before it was known that Leatherman was anti gun (long before) I was shopping for a multi-plier and decided on the Gerber. It's been on my belt for years and is still going strong. I feel naked without it.
I highly recommend the Gerber Multi-plier.

[gunnut1]

Sorry guys, I am a confirmed Leaterman tool fan. Gerbers are junk as far as I am concerned. I have seen too many of them broke.

A"ND this discussion has been brought up before. Let's move on.

[Treborer]

Originally posted by idsubgun


They grew complacent, not knowing the true size of their "enemies". Hard to count the number of white men back east when sitting in the wilds of Idaho. Lack of good intel got them. Won't happen again, we've got better intel now.;)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trained two Blackfoot to maintain "Fire Control Systems" on USAF Fighters.

One Man ,One a Woman, did fine.

She had the most beautiful eyes, should have been licenced.

She didn't abuse man with her beauty.

That commanded respect.

My part was to guide them to work, and make no mistake, not one ever.

Supersonic Aircraft are very sensitive to mistakes.

Ya ta He.


:bow:

[jerrymrc]

You could have asked Gunnut1. Most of the items mentioned always stay in the dodge. :wink:

[gunnut1]

Dang Jerry. Sorry man I didn't even think about it. But it has been intersting to find out what folks recommend. Let me know what you have in your truck.

[gunnut1]

Guys, I just got through watch the Hood's Woods #3 video on survival kits. I have got to get the entire set. This guy is great! I remembered some of it from my days in Scouts but he brings up some ideas I had not thought of. If you don't have this video, I highly recommemd it!

Hood's Woods (http://www.survival.com)

Want to make am improvised "arrow shooter"? He showes how to use surgical rubber a pice of leather and a carabiner. Pretty cool!

And he does not like hollow handle knives!

[armed1]

I live in the mountains of western Colorado. It is very remote. Forget 911 or your "whistle" :rofl: , remember, your Jeep has a horn!

I have a plastic Wal Mart bin that stays in the Jeep and I carry:

12x12 tarp
50 Ft paracord
bow saw
fire starter sticks
bic lighter
cyalume sticks/large flash light
2 wool blankets
old raincoat
fleece shirt, hat, gloves
chains X 4 (real chains, not wal mart chains)
3 gallon water jug plus 1 liter bottle
few power bars
compass, statewide topo map "red book"
small day pack
3" pocket knife
firearm
first aid kit (4 oz betadine liquid, couple ABD dressings, couple of triangle bandages, couple vaseline gauze, various band aids, waterproof tape, ace bandage, tube of super glue, "chicken wire" splint, sunscreen wipes)

Note that betadine liquid can be used to sterilize water. Put 5 drops in a galllon and let it sit for about an hour. Boil it if you can.

Chains are needed summer and winter as I have seen blizzards every month of the year at higher elevations. Chains also work in mud.

Dry tinder can be found in a blizzard by peeling some bark off a tree and using the dry fibers underneath.

And to all you Texans and other flatlanders out there, if you get stuck out here, STAY PUT! Don't try to navigate your way out of the widerness on foot because you'll get lost and it will make it more difficult to recover your body. Also, kindly remember that we have CLIFFS :skull: out here, so don't drive your ATVs around at night like back home in the cornfield because out here youre gonna get killed .:bigangel:

[gunnut1]

And to all you Texans and other flatlanders out there, if you get stuck out here, STAY PUT! Don't try to navigate your way out of the widerness on foot because you'll get lost and it will make it more difficult to recover your body. Also, kindly remember that we have CLIFFS out here, so don't drive your ATVs around at night like back home in the cornfield because out here youre gonna get killed

Well put. I are a flatlander. I are from Texas. I are Eagle Scout. And I do remember about staying put. This is not only in the wilderness but ANYWHRE you are hopelessly lost.

The ONLY way you should try to even navigate your way out is if there is a good pather or road, you have a GPS and compass and HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE TO USE THEM CORRECTLY. Just because you can find north using a compas does NOT mean that you are good with it. AND do you have ample battteries for taht expensive GPS? They are useless with out batteries. But the best practice is this. Tell someone where you are goin gto be and give them an approximate time that you will be back. If you are not back in +or- hours from when you are supposed to be, then it is time to start the search. This is not to mention that you should have a good survival kit, and KNOW HOW TO USE IT, with you.


Also, kindly remember that we have CLIFFS out here, so don't drive your ATVs around at night like back home in the cornfield because out here youre gonna get killed

this not only goes for ATVs but bike and any other form of transportation. And even walking.

Oh yea, don't forget that you are at altitude. At altitude the is not as my O2. You WILL get light headed. Drink Pleanty of water. Rest often. Don't push your self as you could very easily pass out. Being at altitude is hard on us faltlanders.

[Plain George]

Again western colorado/
Last winter we had a husband/wife/daughter go out for some cross country skiing.
They got hopelessly lost in a heavy snow storm. Ill prepared....he thought he saw head lights and went out for 'help'..
He was found this spring....his wife and daughter that stayed PUT were found and brought out alive...

[jerrymrc]

Well I was cleaning out the truck today so I took inventory of what is out there.
All this fits behind the seat with plenty of room to spare.

Fire extinguisher
5 bottles water
Roll of toilet paper
2 chem. lights
Pair work gloves
Paper towels
6 large trash bags
2 candles
2 casualty blankets
12’X12’ tarp
Umbrella
3 tie downs
20’ tow strap
Cheap sleeping bag
Cheap compass
Map
Jumper cables
First aid kit. However big or small you want to make it.
Flashlight w/ extra batteries
Coffee can w/3 MRE’s in it
Tool bin. Has pliers, wrenches, fire starter, leatherman, Matches ect plus rubber bands, connectors, 20’electrical wire, 30’ fence wire, 100’twine, 30’ ¼” rope and a roll of duct tape

Now when we do go up in the moutains we always have extra water and take along the fr-200 hand crank radio. After looking at other lists I think I need to add a small bow saw to the mix

[jerrymrc]

Other side. P.S. I will agree with staying put. I very seldom travel in a unknown
area in the winter.

[Caliburn]

Sorry for dragging this old topic out of it's nice warm grave, but Big Dog's idea here is awesome:

a big paper back book (fuel, TP, amusement)

Pure genius. :bow:

My kit has TP or kleenex or paper towles, and emergency tinder... but having a book to flip through at 0-dark-thirty would help take your mind off being cold and wet and miserable (although still alive, which is all that counts). Plus the other uses in one small package.

FWIW I second a folding E-tool shovel - might be too small for Colorado but is a big help in Michigan winters. And remember to leave some air space in canteens and water bottles, or else they'll burst when the water freezes.

[jcjacob]

I like to add that a few of the moving pad blankets that they sell in NorthernTool.Com along with a few of Army wool blankets should always be in the vehicles. Make a quick sleeping bag with one of each. Check out www.sportmansguide.com for lots of military winter gear. There was a place called Pool Surplus that was an Army Navy surplus store on line that even had Artic Air Force gear that was still in great shape that would be good to have in a roll. Head, body, legs, hands and feet all need protection from long term cold.
Buy it in a larger size, you get a little bigger as you grow older. :D

Dry goods last a while, be sure to rotate them goods like you would at home.
M&M cholate covered peanuts, peanut butter crackers, jar of peanut butter and spoon. Packets of Jello, packets of most any of the left over halloween candy.
:rolleyes:

[Fn/form]

On the knife... know your local laws about what constitutes a prohibited weapon, "double edges", and carry of same.


-josh

[snolden]

ok, I will drag on the old thread bandwagon:

tinder, several plastic bags (ziploc, garbage bags etc), playing cards, tire plugs/plug kit, extra eyeglasses, more water, uhaul moving pads,


that is about it that hasn't been addressed already. I do spend alot of time in the mountains and all that stuff has come in handy. I have 4 ponchos stuck under the seats.

[gunnut1]

Well, as of November 1 this is no longer an issue for me. I moved back to Texas. But, I would like to keep this thread going for the benefit of those that might find themselves in the situation.

Now all I have to worry about is tornados and hail! Is it poosible to build a basement after the house is built?

[Roadrunner]

I'm on a mountain search & rescue team and have some additional items for you to consider adding to your winter survival kit. We recently completed our winter montain survival training with overnight bivies outside without tents.

Cotton kills. During the winter months, if you're out in the cold, try to avoid wearing cotton shirts, jackets, etc. The cotton will soak up all your perspiration while you're active. However when you stop, all that wettness close to your skin can quickly lead to hypothermia and possibly death.

If you can, wear synthetic-based clothing if you'll be exposed to cold temps. polypro and caprilene [sp?] products are great. Under Armour rocks.

Put your toilet paper roll(s) in a zip lock bag. You know how easy it is to spill items in your vehicle. The worst time to find this out is when you dart off to the bushes for a squat with wet TP.

Add hand, feet/toe and body warmers to your kit. These chemical warming packs are small, light and are ideal for dealing with cold fingers and feet. However, just remember the hand warmers do not work well in your boots. The toe/foot warmers are formulated to provide heat in a low air environment found in your boots.

Ditch the bulky and heavy blanckets for a lightweight sleeping bag, preferably one that is rated for zero degrees or colder. Nice, inexpensive bags can be found on Campmor.com. My zero deg bag compresses down to about 5 " x 9".

Pack enough food for you and any passengers for up to 48 hours or more. At best, you should pack the types of food that requires no preparation in order to eat. Such as beef jerky, trail mixes, dried fruits, pop tarts, nutrition bars....

Consider keeping a jump starter, instead of jumper cables, in your vehicle. The cables are worthless if there isn't another vehicle around. The jump starter can be connected to your battery, turn the ignition key and off you go.

All these survival items, as it's been mentioned earlier, doesn't have to occupy alot of space. I can carry all my winter survival kit in a medium size backpack (around 2500 to 3200 cu in).

If you're going out in the winter months, or anytime actually, let your family, friends or neighbors know where you're going and give them an expected time for your return. If you're overdue, at least someone has a general idea where you might be located.

And last, but not least, if getting caught out in the cold or anywhere is a big concern, personal emergency locator beacons are available. Basically you'll have to determine if the expense of a personal ELT is right for you.

[Treborer]

Warm effective clothing, nothing cotton,Warm Pac boots, and wool socks, wool hats, and longjohns.

Or modernfabrics that insulate when wet-squeeze em out put em on and live.

Cotton kills up high.

If your are dressed well for outdoor exposure , nature will provide the rest, given firestarter and a blade and a gun.

:|

[Sig220]

As for as carrying the jump starter. If you are running a lot of things off your battery while your engine is off you might want to consider on of the items called PRIORTY START. When they detect a drain on the battery that is dropping the voltage too low to start the engine, they stop the drain. You just tap the brake peddle and still have enough voltage to crank up.

Here is a site that lists them, so you can read more.

http://www.detectorsandalarms.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=211r5

I will be purchasing some in the near future to use on my fleet. Hope that helps.

[jwaters]

This is a good thread. Some items I carry in my vehicle are:

First Aid Kit (one of those WalMart CURAD/J&J ones modified to suit my needs)
Cigarette Lighter in First Aid Kit
Shovel/Pick combo (those E. German ones, they work pretty good)
Axe/Hatchet-whatever fits in that vehicle
4-in-1 Screwdriver
Pliers
Ratchet Set
Pocketknife (doesn't matter, just something useful and quality)
D-cell Maglite (some cars 2D, others 3D)
Mini-Mag
AA Batteries-4
D Batteries (only in SUV, 4)
Beff Jerky (as a snack, can't tell you how many times this is handy)
State Map and County Maps for ones I regularly travel
Toilet Paper (in Ziplock)
Ziplock Bags-Quart and Gallon
Bottled Water (need to replenish right now)
Fire Extinguisher
$1 Rain ponchos-4
Suntan lotion (I'm in FL, what can I say)
Baseball cap & sunglasses (even if a pair of UV safety sunglasses)
Rope/bungees/straps

I don't really have a pack or such, but I usually have something I could put stuff in, ie, I could empty my briefcase if necessary.

This really isn't about survival, I just carry this crap. But it's handy. And it's all tucked away in the console, the door pockets, the glove box, the extra space around the spare tire, etc.

If I'm somewhere where it is cold, I usually have spare coats/blankets, etc in the car. My jacket is in there right now as it's winter in FL (not cold, but I leave it in the car).

JW

[gunnut1]

Since it is getting on toward the cold winter season. I thought I would resurrect this thread. Hell it might even get down to to freezing here in Texas. But you guys in the really cold country might find this helpful!

[Rick]

Warm winter hats. A hat can save your life.

[davedude]

I keep a coleman survival cat heater and a couple cans of propane in the trunk along with all the other reccomended shiz-niz. Haven't tested it yet but supposed to get about 24 hours of heat out of it---Guess I better test it and make sure it works before I depend on it.

I like the mention of the liteweight bag, think I will throw in my extra snugpack.
This is a great thread, lots of excellent ideas, thanks everyone.

:bow:

Dave Dude

[Zen Master]

Ha! Canon City? I was a gunfighter at Buckskin Joe in my wild youth. Best summer job I've ever had.

As for the kit, don't forget:

Plenty of socks, and a sunny disposition.

[gunnut1]

Originally posted by Zen Master
Ha! Canon City? I was a gunfighter at Buckskin Joe in my wild youth. Best summer job I've ever had.

As for the kit, don't forget:

Plenty of socks, and a sunny disposition.

We lived in Colorado for 7 months last year. (long story) That was quite a trip. I must admit that I git a little panicky when were were following along the river Platte. I was NOT prepared for that.

I learned pretty quick that living in the mountains is VERY different from living on the prairie.

Cold can be a probalm here but it is very unlikely. Bad winters? Haven't had one since the mid 80s.Heat is our biggest enemy.

But according to the Old Farmer's Almanac, we are going to have a doozy of a winter this year! And it is 85% accurate!

[jimmertoons]

one recommendation on the survival blanket issue, carry the gold-tinted ones, as the yellow color is not natural. They do work well as a reflector for air-born search-and-rescue. Another one is to pre-shave a magnesium fire-starter. It really sucks to be cold and wet, and trying to grind enough off of a stick to get fire. Better yet, leave the mag. at home, and use wet-proof matches and fire sticks. I personally carry 3 forms of fire in my survival kit along with:
high-energy snack bars
basic first aid kit
flash light w/ x-tra batteries
glow sticks
h-bar knife ( swiss knives are cute, but.....)
small bit of tp
plastic whistle ( metal steals too much heat in the winter)
2 quarts of water
chemical hand warmer
I fit all of this in a 1800 cu in day pack, along with a 2-piece rain suit.
Once again, having plenty of water is very important, the body uses alot of water in the winter, especially with the dry Colorado climate. We deal with dehydration on a regular basis with Boy Scout outings, when we don't hound the boys. Chem tabs work well to clean up stream water or melted snow. Don't forget that melting snow in your mouth steals body heat rapidly.
I do carry extra clothes, and a light sleeping bag in the back seat of the truck, along with a high lift jack, spare tire, extra water, and extra food.